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How does Project Tiger protect tigers in India?
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tiger
The forests of West Bengal are inhabited by the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
Project Tiger is India’s flagship wildlife conservation program, launched in 1973 to save the tiger from extinction. The project protects this mammal through the following measures:123
- Creation of Tiger Reserves: The program established a national network of protected areas specifically designated as tiger reserves. Starting with 9 reserves in 1973, the project has expanded to include 58 reserves as of 2026, covering nearly 2.5 percent of India’s geographical area.42
- Special Conservation Status: These reserves receive special conservation efforts and status, providing a secure environment for tigers to live and breed.3
- Scientific Planning: The project utilizes scientific planning to manage tiger habitats and populations, a strategy that has contributed to a significant recovery in numbers, increasing from an estimated 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022.42
By focusing on habitat preservation and dedicated management, Project Tiger has been instrumental in maintaining India's tiger population, which currently accounts for approximately 75 percent of the world's wild tigers.23